Talthybius

Nestor amuses me every time. Every. Time. His speech is actually important to many academics for Reasons, but I cut most of it BECAUSE we don’t have time for that.

Talthybius, the messenger dude. KEEPS. SHOWING. UP. One of the problems of reading and writing as I go and not planning anything means I don’t actually know who is going to be important. Like, BTW, there are two Sarpedon’s and I was like: “Make sure you don’t mix up the Sarpedon’s Naomi,” AND I’M PRETTY SURE I DID ANYWAY.

Um. Anyway.

Thoas and Eurypylus will probably die so I hope you are not attached. I tried not to make them too remarkable. I don’t really know why they pop up here with our other main characters *shrugs* But who knows?

And, same as last week, we will be skipping over Monday and the next post will be Wednesday. I am hoping, hoping, hoping, I can make some sort of progress, but with Christmas Season on its way (yay for retail) I honestly Can Not Make Promises because I will probably break them. I also have a short wedding celebration trip in October, sooooooo…. Not a lot of extra time *cries* BUT OH WELL.

This second perusal of the troops is one of the reasons why people think The Iliad was written by more than one author. It was not that long ago where we were introduced to all of the generals. Also, it’s a little awkward. I mean. Paris and Menelaus were just fighting. Agamemnon calls for war. And meanwhile, all of the Trojans are just STANDING there, twiddling their thumbs, waiting. HOWEVER, one could argue that we’re just about to plunge into battle, it’s a good idea to remind your audience of some of the Most Valuable Players, especially considering this was originally a tale that was being told outloud from memory to a crowd that may not be consistent. Repetition is important to remind people of what is going on and who is going on

Also, Nestor does not speak consistently at all, and while normally I am all about having consistent dialogue I have come to accept that Nestor just does what he likes and really doesn’t care what I think.

Also, I don’t really care about the Ajax’s (at least, not in The Iliad.Sophocle’s play is another story).

This part of the story leaves us with a question. A question that may not have an answer. Does Agamemnon actually care about his brother? We haven’t really seen him show any affection to anyone. At all. Or is he simply using Menelaus’ wound to re-start the battle and convince his soldiers to fight? Honestly, I’m not sure. I think it would be easy to say he’s just using Menelaus since he’s an arrogant illegitimate son of a lady dog HOWEVER, there is something to this freakingout-panicattack-ohgods-Agamemnon that feels legit to me. I just don’t know. I tried to leave the comic open to both possible interpretations.

Also, poor Menelaus.

Also, also: here is another question. Who is the fine fool? Is it Pandarus, who is simply listening to what a god told him to do who wanted honor and glory just as any fine soldier would? Or is it the man shouting unreasonably at the front of a battle line? I will always love my little Panda-Pandarus, so… I am biased and you’ll know what my answer is. ;P

Also, also, also: Talthybius shows up way more often than I thought he would. It really makes me want to do a mini-retelling of that one play he shows up in (Hekuba, I think?). Maybe after I finish The Iliad…*daydreams of that wonderful day*

Last Also: if you can correctly guess who all of the soldiers are in the first panel I will give you a round of applause.

NEXT WEEK we will we back with Part 2.1: Agamemnon and His Troops. Nestor is there and some random dudes and pretty much Nothing. Happens. Huzzah?